JAMES FORD has revealed that former Wales international Phil Joseph was on York City Knights' bench last week to help him learn the ropes as a physio.

The Knights' conditioning coach, Mark Helme, was absent having been given time off after becoming a dad, and it was initially thought Joseph, the ex-Huddersfield, Hull KR, Halifax, Oldham, Swinton and Bradford packman was temporarily taking his match-day role.

However, he was actually shadowing Knights physio Nathan Hall.

Ford said: "Phil is considering becoming a physio and we were happy to help."

Helme's role was taken by his assistant, Mark Maspero. Ford said: "Firstly congratulations to Mark (Helme). I'm sure he'll be an excellent dad.

"Mark (Maspero) led the conditioning throughout the week and he did a really good job, just like the rest of the support team do a fantastic job.

"I'm lucky to have such a quality team behind me."

Meanwhile, in addition to Helme becoming a dad, Ben Cockayne has revealed his partner is also expecting their first child, which Ford said was an additional reason to give the veteran winger time off this weekend to spend with his family.